It was in 1950s that acrylics were first available. However that time they were mineral spirit-based paints. Later on, water-based acrylic paints were available in the market. These paints were used as house paints in Mexico. Later, artists started to use these mediums in art and painting. Today, acrylic painting has become an art genre in itself and more and more painters are experimenting with this versatile medium.

Acrylic painting is done with the help of acrylic paint tubes and though the painting can look similar to an oil painting or a water colour painting, they have their own unique look and feel that makes them distinctive!

Acrylic paints have the quality of being flexible and adaptable and can be used directly from the tubes or can also be mixed with water. Acrylic paints can be used on many types of surfaces. With this medium, you can use so many styles and brush strokes that you yourself will be amazed at the variety these paints will give you.

This is what you will broadly need to do an acrylic painting: A set of Acrylic Paint Tubes (easily available in the market), paint brushes of number 4 and 8 (flat) and 4 and 12 (round), Canvas board, cotton cloth and other essentials required for painting like pencils, eraser, brush holders, water holder, jars, palette etc. If you wish to make a beautiful colourful collage, try mixing acrylic paints with glue, the visual effect that it will give in a collage will be very appealing! A thick layer of acrylic paint will give a glossy finish to it while using a thin transparent layer will give a matte finish! What is most important while using acrylic paintings is that you should only squeeze that much colour out of the tube that is required. This is because acrylic colours dry very quickly. Blending colours in acrylic needs to be done fast because once applied these colors dry very quickly.

Acrylic and oil paintings look similar however there is a difference in the paint methodology. The main advantage that acrylics have is that they dry fast as compared to oil paints. Acrylic paints are also used a lot in mixed media than oil paints. You need to add turpentine to oil paints while acrylic paints can be directly used. However, the typical blend of colours that you get in oil painting is not achieved in acrylics.

Oil painting medium is become  popular and exist since ages. We have already learnt some aspects of oil painting in our previous post. Amateurs must learn  this beautiful technique of art.

Like all painting, this one too starts by developing a sketch. If you are well versed with charcoal, you can use that to do your sketch. Else, light pencil strokes are also fine. Remember that it is a sketch and hence detailing should be avoided. After the sketch is done, remember to wipe the sketch with a dry cotton cloth so that while you are painting there is no pencil or charcoal dust on the paper. One needs to thin the oil paint that is removed on a palette through turpentine. The turpentine keeps the paint thin enough to work with and allows it to dry much quicker. Remember that the color should be thin enough to develop water like consistency. Now apply this thinned paint on to your sketch with a flat brush. Apply wherever one will apply the paints. For example, if your picture has a tree, apply to all the parts of the tree and so on and so forth. After this is done, let your painting dry for a few minutes (10 minutes) and by that time you can mix colors that you will need for your painting. For example, to paint the sky you will need to mix colors blue and crimson.

Mix colors and see what you achieve to paint your sky. Add a few colors like white and blue over specific areas for greater effect. Now take some color and dab it onto the surface for a technique that is especially used to do tree leaves. Try to use direct color to highlight regions you want to highlight. For finishing details, take a small, round brush and gently “quill” your colors together. For example, if your painting contains trees and they meet the sky - gently stretch the edges of the leaf colors into the sky. You oil painting is done and I am sure you will be quite excited to see this final product!

If you are an art lover or have just started to venture into the fascinating world of Indian art, you should be aware of different mediums of art. Many artists prefer to express themselves in one particular medium and because of that or call it comfort zone; they are slightly tentative to start in another medium. Not every artist is familiar with other mediums as they have made themselves comfortable with one particular medium. But to truly expand your talent and range of work, one needs to have a fair bit of idea about other mediums as well.

Watercolor is one of the most common mediums used by artists. If, by any chance you have not tried your hands at watercolor you must give it a try. It will surely fascinate you. Watercolor painting is reasonably quick and you will be able to create subtle colors and beautiful washes. If you are planning to paint a landscape, you must use watercolor. Quite popular amongst artists, watercolor paintings of outdoors or sceneries can be great attractions.

Drawing is often bypassed by the artists who are proficient in watercolor paintings or oil paintings. Drawing stage is quite important to your basic knowledge of art. It is a fundamental necessity. If you are planning to draw, you can choose among many mediums including charcoal, pastels or pen and ink. Working in these mediums can be total fun and relaxing. It will also give a new dimension to your artworks. It also helps in making you aware of new perspectives.

Every artist is familiar with concept of oil painting. If you have a desire of producing wonderful rich colors and blending the paints then go for oil painting medium. Initially, it can be tough but sooner than later it will mesmerize you. You can always take a lesson or buy a book on oil painting to learn the basics. The last medium in this article is Acrylic painting. Perfect for abstract art, acrylic painting holds all the possibility of creating a new artist in you. Some of the other painting and drawing mediums are encaustic, airbrushing and mixed media.

Oil painting exists since the 13th century. Today, this medium is become so popular that a student must learn and appreciate this wonderful technique of art. Oil paints do not dry easily as water paints do with the help of evaporation. They dry with the help of a process called oxidative reaction. The blend of colors and the natural sheen that oil painting gives makes this medium a beautiful way to express yourself! 

Oil Painting is yet another fascinating journey in visual art medium. Oil paints are oil based and are usually prepared by blending colored pigments into linseed oil, poppy seed oil or walnut oil.  Oil paints are yellowish and take a considerable time to dry. To paint with oil paints is indeed a thrill and a joy especially for people who are amateurs. The effect that oil painting gives you is something that entices all art lovers!  To do an oil painting the following are the tools that are required: 

Depending on your subject of drawing you can buy the number of different colored oil paint tubes that you want. Usually these tubes are available in 20ml, 30 ml and 60 ml tubes. 50 ml bottle of Linseed oil, poppy seed oil or walnut oil is also required. However, the most commonly used oil is the linseed oil. A 250 or 500 ml. bottle of Turpentine which is used to mixed along with the paint to thin it. Paint brushes of various numbers (which includes thick and thin brushes). A palette and a dipper holder, canvas board and other materials will include pencil, eraser, cotton cloth, brush holders, jars and tracing paper.

There are no set categories and types of oil painting but it is said that oil paintings that are used to portray scenery are very appealing. You can explore the media just as you like. You can even paint surreal and imaginary paintings with this medium. Whether to use a thin based oil painting or a dense oil painting will depend on the picture you paint and the paint style you use.

Oil paints dry very slowly. Hence once your painting is done; make sure you keep it at a safe place where they can be kept for drying. Also, if you want to clean a layer of your oil paint, you can use alcohol. This will clean your layer of paint because alcohol is a powerful solvent! 

One of the most fascinating types of paintings is Oil painting. Several artists have made a name for themselves in this form of art. Oil painting is in existence since ancient times. First originated in caves, oil paintings were initially a mix of materials like animal fats, soot and earth. These elements were used to mix together to make oil paints and using the paint, paintings were created. The examples of such paintings can be seen at many caves found in far corners of the world.

Oil paints gradually evolved. From soot and earth elements the prime source of paints were changed to linseed and nuts. Oil taken from these was mixed with pigments and the resulting bright oily colors were used to make fascinating paintings. Many artists dream of mastering oil paintings. It’s a specialized art that needs practice, perseverance and finesse. The best part is one can get the color off the painting if some error has been made. This article is focused on requirements for oil paintings. Hope, it will be very useful for aspiring artists.

There are few essential requirements for your endeavor. First and foremost, a quality apron while you plan to start the work. Other initially needed things would be palette knife, easel and solvent. Knife will be instrumental in moving oil to the canvas whereas easel is essential for obvious reasons. Easel comes in many types and depending upon your comfort and convenience you can chose any one of them. White sprit or distilled turpentine can be used as solvent and dippers or old jam jars can be used as painting mediums.

Other basic requirements are canvas, fine hog brushes, palette and charcoal. Brushes can be of medium size or small ones. You can choose stretched canvas or canvas boards if you intend to sketch outside. Charcoal will be very crucial for outlining the subject matter. Once all these things are assembled, you are all set for creating your oil painting masterpiece.  

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